Article

Activity pacing is a strategy used by physiotherapists treating people
with chronic pain. Questions as to the usefulness of activity pacing with people
with chronic pain have been raised clinically and in research. This study
explores physiotherapists' experiences of using activity pacing with people with
chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHOD: We interviewed six physiotherapists and
used the methods of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the
meaning of pacing. RESULTS: We identified three master themes. First, activity
pacing was perceived as part of a process whereby patients came to realize that
change is possible, and that life could be different. Second, in order to use
activity pacing effectively the physiotherapist needs to shift from a "fix it" to
a "sit with" approach to the treatment. Third physiotherapists described how they
used many combined therapeutic approaches in managing chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS:
This study increases our understanding of activity pacing and will help to make
the best use of activity pacing in clinical practice, and optimize outcomes for
the patients. These findings suggest that physiotherapists need to develop
reflective listening skills, and use an experiential learning approach to
facilitate activity pacing.

Langue : ANGLAIS